Trainee A was a pre-debut boy group under BigHit Music.
History[]
2021–2022: Pre-debut, Junil and Inhyuk departures, Leo controversy, cancellation of debut & disbandment[]
In March 2021, the SNS accounts for 'Trainee A' were opened and seven pre-debut trainees were gradually unveiled, consisting of Junil, Inhyuk, Jihoon, Leo, James, Sangwon, and a hidden member. A number of executives and producers followed their SNS accounts, sparking rumors from fans that the trainees will be the next new boy group to debut under BigHit Music.[1] Due to the large attention they gained online, Trainee A quickly amassed several thousands of followers across their social media accounts in less than two months.
On August 2, 2021, it was revealed that Junil had left the group.[2] On August 22, the "About" section from the group's YouTube's channel was updated and JJ was revealed as the hidden member.
On January 8, 2022, soloist and former OG SCHOOL PROJECT member Woochan was revealed as one of the members of the group, staying as a hidden member for the past months.[3] On January 11, it was revealed that Inhyuk is no longer part of the debut candidate group.[4] On January 20, Thai actor Yorch was revealed as the group's seventh member during Woochan's birthday celebration.[5]
On March 27, 2022, they held their first mini busking event at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California. Yorch was unfortunately unable to participate.[6]
On August 25, 2022, a video was posted revealing Leo's decision to leave Trainee A.[7]
On December 16, 2022, Trainee A's Content Production Team announced that all of the group's SNS (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Soundcloud) would "end their service" on December 23 at 8 PM KST and that they appreciate the support they have given Trainee A through social media.[8]
On December 23, 2022, member Yorch revealed through his Instagram story that their project had ended. Therefore, Trainee A would no longer be debuting and the members would be going their separate ways.
Aftermath[]
Following the disbandment of Trainee A, all the members went their separate ways:
- Junil joined JYP Entertainment in 2021 as a trainee. On March 29, 2023, he opened his personal Instagram account which confirmed his departure from the agency.[9] On August 14, 2023, he appeared in a teaser for iNKODE's global auditions, seemingly confirming his debut in the agency's upcoming group.[10]
- Leo signed an exclusive contract with 131 Label as a solo artist on July 25, 2023.[11] He made his solo debut on August 17, 2023, with the digital single "One Look".[12] On December 28, 131 Label announced that their contract with Leo had come to an end.
- Yorch signed an exclusive contract with GRID Entertainment on July 10, 2023, and will be joining in their upcoming boy group. They debuted as POW on October 11, 2023, with the first EP Favorite.[13]
- James remains in BigHit Music as trainee, he served as a backup dancer for labelmate Jung Kook's "Seven" promotional stages.[14]
- JJ joined SM Entertainment in 2023 as a trainee.[15] On January 11, 2025, JJ performed as part of SMROOKIES's trainee team SMTR25 during the SMTOWN Live 2025 Tour.[16] On April 4, 2025, he was confirmed to be part of SMTR25 under the name Justin.
- Jihoon joined Pledis Entertainment and debuted as a member of the boy group TWS on January 22, 2024.
- Leo and Sangwon signed with GRID Entertainment and will debut as duo under the name Leo & Sangwon in 2025.
- Woochan joined The Black Label and will debut as a member of the co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT.
The circumstances of Inhyuk are currently unknown.
Trainees[]
| Name | Position(s) | Emoticon | Year(s) active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junil (준일) | N/A | 💙 | 2021 |
| Inhyuk (인혁) | N/A | 🌟 | 2021–2022 |
| Leo (리오) | N/A | 🦁 | 2021–2022[7] |
| Yorch (요치) | N/A | 🦋 | 2022 |
| Sangwon (상원) | N/A | 🥀 | 2021–2022 |
| Woochan (우찬) | N/A | 🐶 | 2022 |
| James (제임스) | N/A | 😝 | 2021–2022 |
| JJ (제이제이) | N/A | 🐻 | 2021–2022 |
| Jihoon (지훈) | Maknae | 🐣 | 2021–2022 |
Discography[]
Other releases[]
- "Ain't No Privacy" (pre-debut) (2022)
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Is BTS and TXT label Hybe about to launch a new K-pop boy band? ‘Trainee A’ social media accounts spark rumours
- ↑ YouTube: 전하지 못한 이야기
- ↑ YouTube: 조우찬 근황 | WOOCHANLOG🐶
- ↑ YouTube: 데뷔.. 할 수 있을까? (A-Road) EP.1
- ↑ Allkpop: Thai-actor Yorch Yongsin revealed as the 7th member of Big Hit Entertainment's rookie team Trainee A
- ↑ @trainee_a on Twitter (March 27, 2022)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 (SUB) Hello, This is LEO (A-Road) EP.5 Epilogue
- ↑ @trainee_a on Twitter (December 16, 2022)
- ↑ @sangwonbloomz on Twitter (March 29,2023)
- ↑ @inkode_audition on Twitter (August 14, 2023)
- ↑ @131online on Twitter (July 25, 2023)
- ↑ (KR) X Sports News: 리오, 131레이블 전속계약…올 하반기 첫 앨범 발매 [공식입장]
- ↑ Allkpop: New agency GRID to debut former Trainee A member Yorch in new boy group later this year
- ↑ YouTube: Jung Kook(정국) - Seven (feat. Latto) @인기가요 inkigayo 20230730
- ↑ @1wi1o1 on X (February 22, 2024)
- ↑ @AboutMusicYT on Twitter (January 11, 2025)
Official links[]
- Instagram (closed)
- SoundCloud (closed)
- TikTok (closed)
- Twitter (closed)
- YouTube (closed)
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